Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

If you’re looking for a dish that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make, you’ve come to the right place! Stuffed Cornish Game Hens are a delightful way to impress family and friends without spending all day in the kitchen. These little birds are not only tender and juicy, but they also have an elegant presentation that turns any meal into a special occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

What makes these stuffed game hens even more special is the savory stuffing that complements their natural flavor. You can easily customize it to suit your taste, making it versatile enough for any palate. So let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few straightforward steps, you can create a stunning meal without the fuss!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: The mild flavor of the Cornish game hens makes them perfect for both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the stuffing ahead of time, making dinner prep quick and stress-free.
• Delicious Flavor: Each bite is bursting with herbs and spices, making it a truly memorable dish.
• Impressive Presentation: Serve these beautiful hens whole for an eye-catching centerpiece at your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! These are simple, wholesome items that you might already have in your kitchen. They come together beautifully to create a delicious stuffing and perfectly seasoned game hens.

For the Hens

• 4 Cornish game hens, thawed (if frozen)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika

For the Stuffing

• 1 cup bread crumbs (or cubed bread)
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup carrots, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 cup white grape juice or apple juice (for basting)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the nuts: If you’re allergic or prefer not to use nuts, feel free to leave them out or replace them with sunflower seeds for added crunch.
• Add different veggies: Try adding mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor in your stuffing!
• Change up the fruit: Use dried apricots or figs instead of raisins or cranberries for a unique twist.
• Spice it up: Add some crushed red pepper flakes if your family enjoys a bit of heat in their dishes.

How to Make Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

Step 1: Prepare Your Hens

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse the Cornish game hens under cool water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps achieve that beautifully crispy skin during roasting. Drizzle olive oil over each bird, then season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, and paprika. This seasoning will enhance their natural flavors.

Step 2: Make the Stuffing

In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, chopped onion, celery, carrots, raisins or cranberries (if using), nuts (if desired), and fresh parsley. Pour in chicken broth and melted butter; mix until everything is well combined. The stuffing should be moist but not soggy—it should hold together without being too wet.

Step 3: Stuff the Hens

Carefully spoon the stuffing into each Cornish game hen’s cavity. Don’t pack it too tightly; leave some space for air circulation during cooking. This will help ensure that everything cooks evenly and retains moisture.

Step 4: Roast Them Up

Place the stuffed hens on a roasting pan breast side up. Pour white grape juice or apple juice over them for a lovely glaze while they cook. Roast in your preheated oven for about 1 hour and 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste every 20 minutes with pan juices—this will keep them juicy!

Step 5: Let Them Rest Before Serving

Once cooked through, remove your stuffed Cornish game hens from the oven and let them rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.

Now you’re ready to enjoy an incredible meal that will surely impress anyone seated at your table! Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

Creating the perfect Stuffed Cornish Game Hens can be a breeze with a few handy tips!

• Choose high-quality hens: Selecting fresh, organic Cornish game hens ensures the best flavor and tenderness. The better the quality of your main ingredient, the more delicious your dish will be.

• Let the stuffing cool before use: Allowing your stuffing to cool before filling the hens prevents them from cooking unevenly. Warm stuffing can lead to overcooked meat while the stuffing finishes heating through.

• Season generously: Don’t shy away from seasoning both the outside and inside of the hens. A good amount of salt and pepper enhances flavor depth, ensuring every bite is as tasty as possible.

• Baste for moisture: Regularly basting your hens with white grape or apple juice keeps them moist during cooking. This technique also adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory stuffing perfectly.

• Rest before serving: Letting your cooked hens rest for about 10 minutes after taking them out of the oven allows the juices to redistribute. This results in tender, juicy meat when you cut into them.

How to Serve Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

Presentation matters, especially for a dish as elegant as Stuffed Cornish Game Hens. Here are some ideas to make your meal visually stunning and appetizing!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkling chopped parsley or thyme over the hens just before serving adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Citrus slices: Adding lemon or orange slices around the platter not only brightens up your presentation but also provides a zesty aroma that complements the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Roasted seasonal vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes brings vibrant colors and a hint of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with savory hens.
• Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting side that balances out the meal’s flavors.
• Cranberry sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce adds another layer of flavor and is a delightful contrast to the richness of the stuffed hens.
• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing offers refreshing crunchiness alongside your hearty main dish.

By following these tips and presentation ideas, you’ll create not only a delicious meal but also an impressive dining experience that everyone will remember!

Make Ahead and Storage

Stuffed Cornish Game Hens are not only a delight to serve fresh but also fantastic for meal prep! You can prepare the stuffing and even assemble the hens ahead of time, making dinner a breeze on busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow any leftover stuffed Cornish game hens to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Ensure the stuffing is well mixed with the meat when storing to keep flavors intact.

Freezing

• For longer storage, you can freeze cooked stuffed Cornish game hens.
• Wrap each hen tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove hens from the fridge or freezer and place them in a baking dish covered with foil.
• Bake for about 25-30 minutes if refrigerated or 50-60 minutes if frozen, until heated through (165°F/74°C internally).

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Stuffed Cornish Game Hens that might help you out!

Can I use different ingredients for the stuffing in Stuffed Cornish Game Hens?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the stuffing with your favorite herbs, nuts, or vegetables. Quinoa or rice can also serve as great alternatives to bread crumbs.

How long do I need to cook Stuffed Cornish Game Hens?

Typically, it takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to fully cook stuffed Cornish game hens. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

What side dishes pair well with Stuffed Cornish Game Hens?

These delightful birds pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad. Consider serving them with your favorite sauces for added flavor!

Can I prepare Stuffed Cornish Game Hens in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the stuffing and stuff the hens a day ahead. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

Final Thoughts

Stuffed Cornish Game Hens are truly a showstopper for any gathering or cozy dinner at home. Their tender meat combined with a savory filling creates an unforgettable dish that is sure to impress your guests. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do—get ready for delicious aromas filling your kitchen! Happy cooking!